Energy Efficiency

Dreaming about a new house? Thinking about an addition to your home? Wanting to remodel that outdated kitchen? Whether you're remodeling your existing house or building a new one, you have a great opportunity to maximize the energy efficiency of your home. Here are some things to consider as you plan and build:

Windows

Windows can account for up to 25% of the heat loss in a home. New double-pane windows with such features as coating that prevents heat loss/gain and gas-filled spaces are twice as efficient as standard double-glazed units, but cost only about 25% more. Metal is a poor insulator, so opt for wood, vinyl, or fiberglass framed windows. Casement and awning windows, which close against a compression seal, tend to be more airtight than double-hung or horizontal slider windows.

Insulation

Plan to insulate your new home or addition to the guidelines specified for your area. Insulation isn't very expensive, but not having enough can be a very costly proposition. Check your local building codes or consult our member services department for information on how much insulation you need.

Heating and Cooling

Because heating and cooling your home requires more energy than any other function, you'll be wise to carefully look at all your options and to choose the system that offers the best efficiency for the dollar.

Make sure you request a heat loss calcualtion from your HVAC installer to properly size you heating/collong system.

 Any electric heat system qualifies for the Special Electric Heat rate..

Appliances

If you're remodeling a kitchen or adding a laundry room, you may want to save money by keeping your old appliances. But first, consider the age and efficiency of that stove, dishwasher, refrigerator or dryer. Newer appliances are generally much more efficient than older ones, and can save you a lot on energy costs. A new refrigerator, for instance, may use only half as much electricity as a refrigerator built 15 years ago; that could save you $100 per year. A new dishwasher with a pre-heating option will let you turn down your water heater thermostat, saving a lot of energy and money. From clothes washers to water heaters, investing in new appliances now can pay you back in energy savings later.

Energy Guide labels

If you live in a typical U.S. home, the appliances in your home are responsible for over one-third of your energy bill. Electric appliances like refrigerators, freezers, clothes washers, dryers, dishwashers, ranges and ovens are the primary energy-using appliances in most households. Taking steps to save energy while using these appliances, and replacing old, inefficient appliances with modern ones, can save you money.

In the United States, all refrigerators, freezers, clothes washers and dishwashers are sold with yellow EnergyGuide labels to indicate their energy efficiency. These labels provide an estimated annual operating cost for the appliance and also indicate the cost of operating the models with the highest annual operating cost and the lowest annual operating cost. By comparing a model's annual operating cost with the operating cost of the most efficient model, you can compare their efficiencies.

Energy Star labels

Another label to help you identify energy-efficient appliances is the Energy Star® label. Promoted by the Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Energy Star is only awarded to appliances and lighting products that significantly exceed the minimum national efficiency standards.

The Energy Star label can help make purchasing decisions easier. These products not only save energy, they can also save money, frequently with better performance

Energy Efficient Construction

The construction of your home is a critical part of home comfort and efficiency. An energy efficient home should have the following:

Increased insulation

In our climate new homes are insulated well with one exception in some homes--the basement. The basement can contribute to 25% of a homes heat loss. Effective insulating techniques should be used to achieve maximum energy efficiency. At least R-11 insulation is recommended for the basement walls. Above ground walls should have at least R-19 walls and the ceiling should be at least R-38

High performance windows

Help keep heat in during the winter and out during the summer. They also block damaging ultraviolet sunlight.

Tight construction and tight ducts

Tight ducts and tight construction help eliminate drafts, moisture, dust and pests. This improves comfort and the quality of indoor air, while lowering maintenance costs. But remember a house has to "breathe" to be efficent.